“I carry with me the lessons, connections, and inspiration gained from this transformative experience”… read the reflections from our Queensland scholars
November 28, 2023
The Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference was held in September in Canberra and online. As well as bringing together the world’s leading experts in agricultural science, research, policy, development and industry, the Crawford Fund encourages the next generation in international agriculture for development to the event via scholarships awarded through our State and Territory committees and scholar supporters.
Our competitive conference scholarship program started in 2010 in the hope that by experiencing the Crawford Fund conference and network, our special program of activities around the conference and being mentored by inspirational experienced researchers, young researchers would be inspired and energised to be more involved. The results have been fantastic, with a great mix of youth and experience at our flagship event each year and a growing and enthusiastic conference scholar alumni approaching 450.
Our other activities to encourage university students and early career researcher include highlighting opportunities in volunteering for projects overseas; our work with Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), and our special international student awards to enable students to be involved in overseas projects as part of their university study.
One of the requirements of the scholarship is that each scholar provides us with a reflection on their experience. We will be providing these reflections over the coming weeks, grouped by State.
We would like to thank our wonderful mentors, mentioned alongside the scholar they supported, who volunteer their time and offer valuable guidance, support and insights to the scholars throughout the conference.
Eight scholars from Queensland attended the 2023 Crawford Fund conference, with six supported by our QLD Committee, one supported by the Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society (AARES) and one supported by the University of Queensland. Highlights of their experiences have been captured below:
QLD CRAWFORD FUND COMMITTEE SUPPORTED SCHOLARS
Phoebe Arbon, James Cook University
“Collectively, the 2023 Crawford Fund Conference and scholars’ program provided a unique and invaluable opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing and constructive dialogue, cultivating collaborative thinking and optimism towards solving the polycrisis of climate, biodiversity, and food.”
Nakita Cally, University of Queensland
“Each and every speaker was tried and tested in their field of expertise and yet still held hope for a better agricultural future across the globe. Coming from my environmental science studies and working as an agronomist for the last six months, I had no idea the whirlwind mental and emotional journey this conference was about to send me through. Here, I was able to rethink the why of my studies, the why I had chosen to become an agronomist after my studies.”
Madeleine Grist, University of Queensland
“Listening to the speakers was a great experience to deepen my knowledge of international agricultural development, but I was truly appreciative of the chance to network and learn from the other scholars and their mentors. It was a fabulous networking opportunity.”
Edith Kichamu, Griffith University
“The 2023 Crawford Fund Annual Conference was not just an event but a holistic learning journey. It fostered a deeper understanding of global food security challenges, offered solutions, and paved the way for meaningful collaborations. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to employing the knowledge and connections acquired to further the cause of food security.”
Jemma Restall, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland
“I’m honoured to have been involved in the 2023 Crawford Fund Scholars Program…As I return to my research with renewed vigour, I carry with me the knowledge that I am part of a global community of researchers dedicated to making a difference in the world of agriculture and food security.”
Bethany Smith, James Cook University
“Attending the conference as a scholar additionally provided me the unique opportunity to meet, network and form connections with fellow early career researchers in international agricultural development. Meeting my fellow scholars was a personal event highlight, acting as one of the first instances that I have had the opportunity to connect with other young researchers in this field.”
AARES SUPPORTED SCHOLAR
Bisakha Dewan, University of Queensland
“Throughout the three days, I gained tremendous knowledge from discussions regarding studies and initiatives. Each session proved to be informative and effective. Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro’s insights on ‘international networks and opportunities’ particularly motivated me to think big, even if I start with a small role!”
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND SUPPORTED SCHOLAR
Ming Cheng
“This experience has not only enriched my understanding of global food security but has also ignited a renewed passion and commitment to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system for all. As I move forward in my academic and professional endeavors, I carry with me the lessons, connections, and inspiration gained from this transformative experience, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the field of agricultural science.”
Read on for the full reflections of each QLD scholar:
QLD CRAWFORD FUND COMMITTEE SUPPORTED SCHOLARS
Phoebe Arbon, James Cook University
Mentor: Helen Scott-Orr
The 2023 Crawford Fund Conference, titled Global Food Security in a Riskier World: Diversification for Resilient Food and Nutrition Systems provided thought-provoking and globally-relevant perspectives on the future challenges and opportunities for global food security.
Dr Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF, opened the conference with the Sir John Crawford memorial address. Dr Ubalijoro’s powerful address highlighted the significance of cooperation on a local to global scale, and the need for sustainable, system-based innovations to solve the polycrisis of climate, biodiversity, and food. Dr Cary Fowler, US Special Envoy for Global Food Security, spoke frankly on this polycrisis, asking “What factors did we previously overlook or underappreciate?”. Through this reflection, Dr Fowler highlighted the value of acknowledging previous successes and shortcomings and adapting future strategies to address food insecurities using these lessons. Distilling his experience and wealth of knowledge, Dr Fowler highlighted the need to “get back to basics” above and below ground, with a call for focussed research efforts on developing more resilient crop varieties and building and conserving sustainable food production systems via healthy soils.
While the issues presented by the range of experts throughout the conference captured a challenging and obstacle-burdened future for ensuring global food security, their optimism for future solutions was not eclipsed. As a passionate early-career aquaculture scientist, I was inspired to translate the conference’s important of key messages, especially those highlighted by Dr Ubalijoro’s and Dr Fowler’s, to food production within the aquatic environment. Parallels in the need for ‘system’-based thinking and innovations that consider the interactions of the whole production environment were clear, from resilient crop varieties in healthy soils to hardy seafood species in healthy waterways. I will continue to be motivated by their calls to action and considerate of the lessons they shared as I continue forward in my career.
Bookending the conference, the Crawford Fund scholar’s program facilitated unparalleled opportunity to network and hold open dialogue with an incredible host of expert mentors and fellow conference scholars. The mentors, including Dr Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM whom I was privileged to have as my own mentor, were generous with their time and knowledge-sharing. Connecting with my fellow conference scholars, who represented the remarkable next-generation of forward-thinkers in food production, inspired my own passions and aspirations towards achieving future food security. While there are many uncertainties for global food security in a riskier world, as highlighted by the title of the conference and the content presented within, being amongst the next generation of food production scholars assured certainty that the best and brightest will be at the forefront, paving the way forward.
Collectively, the 2023 Crawford Fund Conference and scholars’ program provided a unique and invaluable opportunity for networking, knowledge-sharing and constructive dialogue, cultivating collaborative thinking and optimism towards solving the polycrisis of climate, biodiversity, and food. I am sincerely grateful to The Crawford Fund for allowing me to participate in such critical and topical discussion, as well as the RAID volunteers for their work in organising and facilitating the scholar events.
Nakita Cally, University of Queensland
Mentor: TJ Higgins
In the beginning, I was not entirely sure what to expect from the 2023 Crawford Scholarship Conference. I would say, I was actually a little hesitant to attend, especially with life’s upheavals surrounding the time of the conference. It was very lucky that Cathy and the team made it still possible for me to attend, as I had no idea the room filled with a wealth of knowledge, experiences and buoyancy, I would be stepping into.
Each and every speaker was tried and tested in their field of expertise and yet still held hope for a better agricultural future across the globe. Coming from my environmental science studies and working as an agronomist for the last six months, I had no idea the whirlwind mental and emotional journey this conference was about to send me through. Here, I was able to rethink the why of my studies, the why I had chosen to become an agronomist after my studies. Through many presentations the socioeconomic impact of diseases and pests in crops leading to hunger and malnutrition in children across the globe, I was able to remember why I had retained a strong interest in phytopathogens while studying. Through learning about underutilised crops and the impact that both buying habits and marketing strategies can have on these I was invested; fully and completely. I needed to know more. I wanted to learn more, engage with, and speak to every individual who presented.
Out of both shyness and fear that they would not be interested in speaking to someone as lowly and unknowledgeable as I am, I was tentative, but made a move. Very quickly it became apparent that every speaker was more than willing to give their time and share information and contact details. It was then and there that the humble nature of the people working in the global agricultural development industry – especially in less developed countries – reminded me of who I am at my core: a humanitarian who just want to feed the world and make sure every child is adequately fed.
They fed us gainfully in each break we received throughout the three days, putting us all in the same room, making it impossible to be an antisocial butterfly, which is sometimes the little push we need to move out of our comfort zone. I quickly found myself in conversations with many different people at many different times. As I spoke to them, both students and professionals, I found myself making friends with like-minded individuals who spoke the language of my heart and shared their stories of where they had been and the agricultural innovations for their future, I became inspired to continue working towards my goal of living and working in Africa – helping in whichever way I can – to assist in moving the continent forward into a future that looks better than the present Western world we share today.
Madeleine Grist, University of Queensland
Mentor: Dong Wang
I would like to thank the Crawford Fund for hosting me as a scholar at this year’s annual conference. I have previously attended the conference, and this year’s experience as a scholar truly added a great deal of value to the event. Listening to the speakers was a great experience to deepen my knowledge of international agricultural development, but I was truly appreciative of the chance to network and learn from the other scholars and their mentors. It was a fabulous networking opportunity.
The range of speakers on the conference day showcased an array of national and international leaders and experts in the food security space. The conference theme allowed for discussion of more than just the challenges of international food security in an increasingly uncertain world. I got a lot out of listening to the individual speakers, but most enjoyed the question and answer sections of the panels, where speakers were able to engage with the other speakers to broaden the range of information they were able to engage with, and provide their opinion beyond their expert subject matter.
I enjoyed hearing from international actors in the food security space, such as Dr Cary Fowler and Dr Éliane Ubalijoro, especially to hear about international opinions on what Australia’s role should be on the international stage. I appreciated the range of subject matter experts that were asked to present at the conference, from technical science experts to international engagement and strategy experts. Specialising in international agricultural development during my university studies and now working in the international agricultural policy space, it was great to see leaders in this field speak with passion about the subject that I am also passionate about. I engaged with the speakers’ understanding of applying science to government and industry policy improvements.
My main takeaway from the scholars’ days was the need to improve continued communication and collaboration regarding international food security between research institutions, government, industry and between countries. All of these stakeholders are working on international food security in different and often overlapping areas, but there is very little sharing of information while work is being done, after initial consultations. The Crawford Fund conference provided a great forum for people working across these areas to share ideas about what they are working on, but there needs to be further understanding in the gaps that exist in the information that is being shared and what would be beneficial to share between these organisations and agencies.
While I was not able to stay for the full last day of the scholars’ experience, I really enjoyed hearing about the opportunities for international engagement through volunteering. The AusVols program sounds like a fabulous opportunity that I had never been exposed to before. I also thoroughly enjoyed hearing from journalists involved in the international development and agriculture space which is also an engagement space that I have had very little exposure to, but I gained a greater appreciation of how important journalism can be in promotion of getting information between stakeholders and a tool for increasing the reach of research and policy work.
I would like to thank my mentor, the Crawford Fund QLD committee, RAID network, ACIAR, DFAT and DAFF for creating a space for networking and a space for information sharing.
Edith Kichamu, Griffith University
Mentor: Anika Molesworth
I had the privilege of attending the Crawford Fund Annual Conference, which revolved around the pressing theme of Global Food Security in a Riskier World: Diversification for Resilient Food and Nutrition Systems. The conference was an enlightening experience, offering an invaluable chance to hear from esteemed experts in the field and providing an avenue for forging strong connections with like-minded professionals. One of the standout speakers, Dr Cary Fowler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security, articulated a message that resonated deeply with me. He emphasised that the core of food security lies in adaptive crops and healthy soils. This statement struck a chord because it underscores the significance of sustainable farming practices and their pivotal role in ensuring our global community remains fed and nourished.
The insights shared by Prof Wendy Umberger, the Agricultural Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) CEO, further enriched the discourse by shedding light on the nuances of on-farm risks and their implications for creating resilient food systems. If not addressed, such risks can have profound consequences on food supply chains, thus endangering food security. Another highlight was the keynote address by Dr Éliane Ubalijoro, the CEO of the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). Éliane’s talk provided a fresh perspective by delving into the intersection between forestry and food security. As forests play a multifaceted role in our ecosystem, understanding their connection to food systems is crucial, and Dr. Ubalijoro’s discourse served as an eye-opener in this context.
Beyond the academic and professional insights, the Crawford Fund Annual Conference was also a rich networking platform. I was fortunate to make numerous connections, which I believe will be instrumental in my future endeavours. A special mention should be given to the Crawford Fund scholar activities. These sessions proved instrumental in enhancing connections. With their vast experience and insights, the mentors were particularly helpful, guiding us meticulously through various facets of the conference and ensuring we garnered the most out of this experience.
The 2023 Crawford Fund Annual Conference was not just an event but a holistic learning journey. It fostered a deeper understanding of global food security challenges, offered solutions, and paved the way for meaningful collaborations. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to employing the knowledge and connections acquired to further the cause of food security.
Jemma Restall, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland
Mentor: Tristan Armstrong
The Crawford Fund 2023 Annual Conference titled Global Food Security in a Riskier World: Diversification for Resilient Food and Nutrition Systems was an enlightening experience that has left a lasting mark on my academic journey. As a second year PhD student with a research focus on enhancing food security in Pacific Island Countries and Territories through genetic improvement of staple crops, this event was particularly relevant and inspiring.
The conference presentations and panel sessions were extremely informative, covering a wide range of topics related to agriculture, sustainability and food security, which are being impacted now more than ever with the presence of the 3Cs – Covid, Climate Change and Conflict.
One of my favourite talks from the day was delivered by Dr Fathiya Mbarak Khamis from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology who shared her teams groundbreaking work on the use of Black Soldier Fly as a more affordable and sustainable source of nutritious food for humans and feed for livestock. The opportunity at the conference to hear from speakers in various disciplines such as Dr Khamis, highlighted the multifaceted nature of the problems we face relating to global food security and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in devising effective solutions to these challenges.
During the mentoring process of the scholar program, I was lucky enough to be paired with Dr Tristan Armstrong from DFAT who is the Senior Sector Specialist for Agricultural Development and Food Security. It was personally inspiring to hear about the amazing paths his career has taken since completing his PhD and transitioning from academia. I greatly appreciate the time he took to not only introduce me to his peers, but to also engage in meaningful conversations about my research and potential career trajectories as I advance my own academic journey.
Both the conference and scholar programs also offered invaluable networking opportunities. I had the privilege of engaging in discussions with fellow researchers and industry professionals at various stages of their careers. These interactions provided me with fresh perspectives on my research and encouraged the exchange of ideas that could potentially lead to collaborative efforts in the future. It was uplifting to witness the camaraderie amongst all attendees, driven by the shared goal of alleviating global food insecurity!
I’m honoured to have been involved in the 2023 Crawford Fund Scholars Program and would like to thank the QLD committee for sponsoring my attendance. I would also like to thank Larissa Mullot and Cathy Reade, along with all the RAID volunteers for their efforts in organising the conference and scholar days.
As I return to my research with renewed vigour, I carry with me the knowledge that I am part of a global community of researchers dedicated to making a difference in the world of agriculture and food security.
Bethany Smith, James Cook University
Mentor – Bosibori Bett
The use of the term ‘riskier world’ in the title of the Crawford Fund’s 2023 annual conference on food security reflects the increasingly unpredictable and uncertain nature of the global environment. Throughout the event, a focus on the three big C’s impacting humanity: i) climate, ii) conflict and iii) covid-19, further accentuated this unpredictability.
As a young scholar, the past couple of years have been the most globally unstable of my adult lifetime. To me, this period has highlighted the vital importance of addressing research questions and agendas from a systems-based perspective, reflecting the intrinsic interconnections that exist between the three big C’s and beyond.
By bringing together diverse perspectives, the Crawford Conference has expanded my capacity to address food systems and security from a systems-based perspective. Specifically, this included an expanded understanding of key technological innovations that may support global food security. For example, I found myself particularly interested in the potential benefits of a transition towards the mainstreaming of underutilised food crops. As an environmental social scientist, I was able to reflect on potential interconnections between my work and technological innovations. The importance of social science as a tool to support the implementation and uptake of new technologies was recognised throughout the event. Acknowledging that for technologies to be successful, they must meet the needs, wants, and aspirations of local populations.
The vital importance of knowledge sharing and co-production between Australian researchers and our partner countries in tackling the food security crisis acted as a key conference reflection. The food security challenge is not one that can be solved by working in geographical or disciplinary silos, and the Crawford Fund appears to be an enabling environment to facilitate cross-collaboration and transdisciplinary research activities amongst its members. As an early career researcher, I found this is of particular importance.
The conference provided me an opportunity to conceptualise the many components of transdisciplinary research, and to meet talented individuals from different disciplines and sectors that I may seek to collaborate with in the future.
Attending the conference as a scholar additionally provided me the unique opportunity to meet, network and form connections with fellow early career researchers in international agricultural development. Meeting my fellow scholars was a personal event highlight, acting as one of the first instances that I have had the opportunity to connect with other young researchers in this field. The focus given to conference scholars and their mentors drove a unique environment at the Crawford Conference, facilitating a welcoming and enabling environment for networking with individuals from all career stages. I would like to thank my mentor Bosibori Bett for ensuring I best harnessed this networking potential.
I would additionally like to thank the RAID network for their planning and execution of the scholar activity days which were of great value. Finally, thanks to the Crawford Fund for providing early career researchers with such a valuable opportunity.
AARES SUPPORTED SCHOLAR
Bisakha Dewan, University of Queensland
Mentor: Wendy Craik
Attending the Crawford Fund conference gave me immense insight, understanding, and a strong determination to address global food security for our current and future generations. As a conference scholar, I had the privilege of participating in various conference activities.
Starting with the scholar activities it was a remarkable opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, mentors, and researchers from Crawford, RAID, and ACIAR.
Throughout the three days, I gained tremendous knowledge from discussions regarding their studies and initiatives. Each session proved to be informative and effective. Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro’s insights on ‘international networks and opportunities’ particularly motivated me to think big, even if I start with a small role! Every role is important and impactful. I truly valued the interactions with numerous mentors, especially the speed meetings, which provided a valuable platform to learn new things, share my experiences, and seek advice. The most useful lesson for me from the very first day was, ‘meet people, speak to them, learn from them and build a network’!
On the conference day, Hon. John Anderson AC, Chair of The Crawford Fund, discussed the three most critical factors affecting global food security: COVID-19, Climate Change, and Conflict (the 3Cs). These factors underscored how challenging it is to feed 8 billion people due to external influences. His discussion heightened my awareness of the significance of our agricultural research.
I also gained valuable insights from Dr. Éliane’s conversation, where she emphasised that cooperation, knowledge sharing, and a solid commitment to creating a better society are essential for addressing the world’s problems, particularly climate change-related ones. Her speech made me reconsider or highlight the necessity of protecting nature so that people can lead healthy lives with access to sufficient nutrient-rich food.
Furthermore, Dr. Cary Fowler, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security, emphasised the importance of crop adaptation and soil health. His discussion on how underutilised crops have the potential to thrive in a changing climate and meet dietary needs inspired me to explore all possible options to ensure global food security.
I found it fascinating to hear Professor Wendy Umberger, Chief Executive Officer of ACIAR, discuss the relevance of on-farm risks and how they are perceived as sources of problems with global food security. Given that my doctoral research focuses on small-holder farmers, gender equity, and the agricultural value chain, her insights into agricultural risks faced by farmers, the significance of understanding individual circumstances at a household level, and the opportunities for diversifying options such as products, resources, and markets to mitigate risks provided me with a new perspective and potential directions for my future research.
The speakers’ topics impressed me, being informative and accessible for new researchers or those from different fields. Providing adequate time for questions allowed us to understand the discussions better. As a scholar, I had the opportunity to meet and converse with experts from my research area and diverse fields. I believe these opportunities will provide tremendous support for my upcoming career. I am genuinely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Wendy Craik, a Crawford Fund Board Member, who dedicated her full attention to my well-being and future career. Her wealth of experience, advice, and guidance supported me in reflecting on myself, society, the importance of work-life balance, and my career trajectory. She facilitated my networking with conference speakers, professors, and expert researchers, which I sincerely appreciate.
I extend my deepest gratitude to AARES for granting me the opportunity to attend the prestigious Crawford Fund Annual Conference 2023 as a Crawford Fund Scholar. Without AARES’ support, I would not have had this chance. I am also thankful to Dr. Sorada Tapsuwan, AARES president-elect, and David Shearer, acting Research Program Manager for Agribusiness at ACIAR. They generously dedicated their valuable time during the conference to share practical tips for my career. Finally, I express my appreciation to RAID and the Crawford Fund Conference organisers for their diligent efforts in making this event possible.
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND SUPPORTED SCHOLAR
Ming Cheng
Mentor: Tim Reeves
With profound gratitude and humility, I reflect on the remarkable opportunity bestowed upon me as a Crawford Fund Scholar at the prestigious Crawford Fund Annual Conference 2023, centered around the theme, “Global Food Security in a Riskier World: Diversification for Resilient Food and Nutrition Systems.” This experience marks my inaugural step into the world of agricultural conferences, and it has truly been a transformative journey.
This conference offered me a unique chance to delve into the pressing challenges of global food security, as presented by esteemed experts in the field. I gained valuable insights from multiple perspectives, particularly in the face of our changing climate, evidenced by the unprecedented heatwaves in June and July. The persistent issues of hunger and malnutrition on a global scale, with 690 million people still suffering in 2019, were brought to the forefront. Additionally, speakers underscored the often-overlooked impact of global conflicts on food security.
The conference’s agenda encompassed a wide array of topics, including on-farm risks, off-farm obstacles, bio-fertilizers, food diversity, supply chains, food nutrition, and the potential for innovative future foods. Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro’s personal narrative vividly illustrated how conflicts can disrupt a country’s food security and its people’s lives. Dr. Cary Fowler highlighted the severity of food insecurity and the suffering it causes, especially in conflict-affected regions. Professor Kadambot Siddique shed light on the gaps in food production, the limited yields of traditional major crops, nutrient deficiencies, and the urgent need to diversify our food systems. Dr. Warren T K Lee emphasized that our current agriculture-food systems not only fail to deliver healthy diets and essential nutrients but also hold the key to addressing these challenges.
Beyond raising awareness about global food security challenges, I realised that a collaborative effort is essential to tackle these issues and provide nutritious food to people worldwide. Farmers, industries, scientists, and governments must come together or, at the very least, focus on their respective roles to drive improvement.
As a PhD student in plant biotechnology, I have committed myself to enhancing plant resilience and productivity through my research and efforts. Although my daily work in the laboratory has often been fraught with failures, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression, the opportunity to attend the Crawford Fund conference as a scholar reignited my enthusiasm for agricultural science.
My deepest appreciation goes to Professor Tim Reeves, who served as my unwavering guide on this remarkable journey. Meeting him in person during my solo trip to Canberra was initially nerve-wracking, but our conversation was reassuring, enlightening, and heartwarming. Tim’s support extended beyond the academic realm, addressing the often-overlooked emotional aspects of my journey. His introductions and unwavering support fostered an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie at the conference, catalyzing both my personal and professional growth. Tim’s wisdom, particularly his belief in imparting values to others, guided me in unexpected ways, opening doors to invaluable conversations and insights from seasoned experts.
In addition, the unwavering dedication of female scientists and agricultural leaders, such as Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro and Professor Wendy Umberger, has served as a profound source of inspiration throughout this journey.
I also like to extend a heartfelt shout-out to the RAID network, which played a pivotal role in enhancing the conference experience. Their engaging ice-breaking activities and insightful workshops provided invaluable opportunities for mentors and mentees alike to connect on a deeper level. These activities not only fostered connections but also encouraged us to listen to the personal stories and wisdom shared by senior members and RAID participants. It was through these interactions that we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their journeys in agriculture and food security. This added layer of connection and shared experiences enriched our conference experience and left a lasting impression on us all.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a Crawford Fund Scholar and to attend this conference. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of global food security but has also ignited a renewed passion and commitment to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system for all. As I move forward in my academic and professional endeavors, I carry with me the lessons, connections, and inspiration gained from this transformative experience, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the field of agricultural science.
